The incidence and risk factors of low back pain in rural communities of Bangladesh

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) has become a major public health concern. It is a leading cause of activity limitation. The risk variables were not fully examined. Aim of the study: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) among middle-aged and elderly rural community participants in Bangladesh, as well as the associated risk factors. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedics & Traumatology, TMSS Medical College, Bogura and Natore Trauma Centre & Hospital, Natore, Bangladesh from January 1, 2023 to January 1, 2025. The study involved 5181 participants. The study measured the prevalence and severity of LBP across time. All data was collected, documented in a Microsoft Excel work sheet, and analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS 17.0. Results: The average age of the study participants was 57.7 years, with 55.7% being women. women had a greater lifetime prevalence of LBP (73.1%), compared to men. Women had greater prevalence rates at both the point and 6-month levels. LBP was significantly linked with age, female sex, obesity (point only), and osteoporosis (lifetime alone). LBP was found to be negatively linked with both lifetime and point exercise, as well as point-only manual activity. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the prevalence of LBP in Bangladesh's rural communities is comparable to that of other populations. LBP risk factors include advanced age, female sex, and osteophytes.